Is Salmon Healthy to Eat Every Day?

Fish is not the popular protein source for most Americans. Less than one on five Americans eats the recommended amount of fish per week. Salmon is considered a fatty fish and a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Eating fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel or sardines may help lower the risk for heart disease. A high intake of omega 3 may also help lower triglycerides and lower inflammation in the body.

In order to get health benefits from fatty fish, you do not need to eat it every day.

In fact, eating a serving of salmon or other fatty fish 1-2 times per week is the amount that is associated with health benefits.

Does this mean eating salmon every day will translate into even more health benefit?

Health experts are unsure about the answer to this according to a 2016 article from TODAY (1).

While there are health benefits with eating fatty fish, there could be some potential concerns for eating too much.

Current recommendations for fish intake

Some countries that line bodies of water naturally have a high fish intake in their diet. However, countries following a typical Western diet have a very low intake of fish.

Current recommendations suggest eating about 3 ounces of fatty fish 1-2 times per week.

Most Americans do not reach the recommended intake of fatty fish. Limited access to fish, dislike of taste, cost or concerns about mercury are some of the reasons Americans have a hard time meeting the recommended intake of fish.

Studies showing a benefit from eating fish are usually with eating fish 1-2 times per week.

There aren’t many, if any, studies looking at health benefits of eating fish everyday compared to 1-2 times per week.

Therefore, there is no current evidence to support a daily intake of fish is more advantageous than eating it 1-2 times per week.

Author Info

Holly Klamer, RD Holly is a registered dietitian (RDN) with a MS degree in nutrition and exercise science. She teaches culinary nutrition classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. You can connect with Holly on LinkedIn.

Trustworthy Health Information

Calorie Secrets is certified by Health On the Net Foundation for trustworthy health information, verify here. All articles are based on research evidence and are written by Certified Nutritionist and Fitness Experts.